Police said 36 people were arrested Saturday after a "straight pride" parade and counter-demonstration was held through the streets of the city. The organizers say they believe straight people are an oppressed majority.The parade started at Copley Plaza and passed through major downtown streets before ending with a rally at City Hall Plaza, where the crowd and speakers were outnumbered by those protesting from behind barricades.The float in the parade featured "2020 Trump" and "Build The Wall" signs. The parade was met with a large protest near Emerson College. "It’s not a representation of who we are as a city in Boston," Mayor Marty Walsh said. Boston police said in addition to the arrests, four police officers were injured during Saturday's event. From Sky 5, the opposing groups appeared to remain relatively peaceful, but some verbal arguments and some quick pushing and shoving was seen. WCVB's John Atwater said "puzzled" tourists thought the event was a Trump rally.The event included a heavy police presence, with both uniformed and undercover officers.City officials granted a permit for the controversial "Straight Pride Parade" in late June. At the time, city officials emphasized they cannot deny a permit based on an organization's values.The application for the march permit indicates that organizers expect up to 2,000 people to join the march, which began at noon. "The Boston Police Department expects all who will be attending events to act respectfully and responsibly," officials wrote. "The Department intends to provide a safe and peaceful opportunity for people to exercise their Constitutional rights. Violence or property damage of any kind will not be tolerated. Anyone engaging in illegal behavior is subject to arrest and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law."

BOSTON —

Police said 36 people were arrested Saturday after a "straight pride" parade and counter-demonstration was held through the streets of the city.

The organizers say they believe straight people are an oppressed majority.

Advertisement

Related Content

The parade started at Copley Plaza and passed through major downtown streets before ending with a rally at City Hall Plaza, where the crowd and speakers were outnumbered by those protesting from behind barricades.

The float in the parade featured "2020 Trump" and "Build The Wall" signs. The parade was met with a large protest near Emerson College.

"It’s not a representation of who we are as a city in Boston," Mayor Marty Walsh said.

Boston police said in addition to the arrests, four police officers were injured during Saturday's event.

From Sky 5, the opposing groups appeared to remain relatively peaceful, but some verbal arguments and some quick pushing and shoving was seen.

WCVB's John Atwater said "puzzled" tourists thought the event was a Trump rally.

The event included a heavy police presence, with both uniformed and undercover officers.

City officials granted a permit for the controversial "Straight Pride Parade" in late June. At the time, city officials emphasized they cannot deny a permit based on an organization's values.

The application for the march permit indicates that organizers expect up to 2,000 people to join the march, which began at noon.

"The Boston Police Department expects all who will be attending events to act respectfully and responsibly," officials wrote. "The Department intends to provide a safe and peaceful opportunity for people to exercise their Constitutional rights. Violence or property damage of any kind will not be tolerated. Anyone engaging in illegal behavior is subject to arrest and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law."